The Higher You Get, The Higher You Get

By VICTORIA STARR MARSHALL - Winter, 2019

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All the comforts that could be taken care of were taken care of: Our rooms were delightful, the transportation seamless, and the food amazing. Our group of 14 travelers ranged in age from 62 to 82. We were going high—13,000 feet high at one point—and knowing that made us all just a little uncomfortable. But this was our adventure, and it’s not an adventure if you aren’t willing to get out of your comfort zone (or so we told ourselves).

As the bus climbed and climbed, I glanced down at my Fitbit to check my heartrate. It was climbing, too, as my body tried to adjust to the thinning air. At last, the Andes rose before us as we reached the top of the ridge, taking away whatever breath we had left.

I was breathless for two weeks, and not just because of the thin air. The scenery and history were stunning, and the openness and hospitality of the people of Peru and Ecuador heartwarming. Everyone in our group tried something new, pushed past trepidation at some point in the trip, expanded our understanding of the culture and region, had our minds blown more than once, and parted as friends.

Our second 3rdAct Adventure will be to Vietnam from Oct. 21 through Nov. 9, 2019, with an additional, optional five days in Angkor Wat, Cambodia. This promises to be another memorable expedition and we have room for 14 people to join us. Are you ready?